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Chapter 19: Chapter 19

Tehzeeb and Umma arrived home safely and walked inside their compound holding hands like friends. Immediately they said Salam Baba approached them. "Well welcome, since you both left me all alone in the house I'm going out too" Baba said pretending to be angry

"My sweet Baba, why are you angry over such a thing. Don't worry next time I will go out with you" Tehzeeb tried her possible best not to laugh on her father's childish behavior

"Oh don't worry, I don't need you to take me out. I'm going out to meet my future wife to be"

"What?" Tehzeeb asked

"Yes, you heard me correctly. If I get married to another wife now then things will be settled, I will not be left alone again whenever you and your mother go out"

"Kai Alhaji What kind of talk is this? At your age you're talking about a new wife" Umma said getting tired of her husband's constant repeat of getting a new wife

"Is it a crime?" Baba asked and got no answer so he spoke up "No, it's not a crime, so I'm off"

"It's a crime another wife when you have a daughter that will get married anytime. What do you want her to do?" Umma asked

"And what will she do. She has nothing to do with my marriage so it's okay" Baba turned and faced Tehzeeb "or is it a crime if I get another wife?"

"It's not bad Islamically but what will people say?" Tehzeeb replied

"I don't care what people will say, it's my life, and again, in life if you want to progress then don't listen to what people have to say. This era we are now, it's either you do what you think is best for you or you loose just because of what people will say. Whenever you want to make a decision think of yourself before thinking about what the world will say, everything you do or say the world will always criticize you. So why not do what is best for your own interest and don't let what people will say affect you in any way"

"Okay Baba but this your joke is getting too expensive and you can see Umma doesn't like it. Let's stop already before Umma chases you out of the house" Tehzeeb said looking at her mother that's fumkng with rage out of jealousy.

"No he should just go and meet her. What's there if he marries another wife. Go on you have the right to bring three more wives" Umma replied trying her best to control her anger

"Haba Umma, it hasn't gotten to that level. He was just joking because you left him all alone in the house. You know he won't marry another wife again when he has the queen of beauty in his home" Tehzeeb tried to calm her mother down. Baba walked close to his wife and was about to touch her when she moved back "Don't touch me, go and meet your new wife to be since you're tired of me" Umma said shifting away from Baba

"Haba my love. You know without you I'm nothing, you're my heartbeat and my soul. You're the blood that runs through my veins, without you I can't function. I'm sorry my Hayyati, I promise not to make you angry again love" Baba said going close to Umma to hug her, this time she didn't push him away but she didn't smile. "Smile for me my love so I can breathe" Baba said trying his possible best to make Umma smile which she finally smiled. Tehzeeb could no longer pretend not to be there again so she cleared her voice before they will do worst "Get a room please, I'm still young for all this" she said covering her face which made her parents to laugh

"Oh! You better learn from us now, because no one will teach you if not us" Umma said laughing

"I will, but not now please. I'm tired and I need to rest, goodnight to you both since you don't want us to gist this night" Tehzeeb said to her parents and was about to leave when Baba called her back

"You have not eaten and you know you can't sleep on an empty stomach, so let's eat before bed" Baba said about to walk out of the compound when Umma spoke up

"Where are you going to again?" Umma asked

"Don't worry, I just want to get something outside quickly and come back" Baba replied and walked out. While Umma and Tehzeeb walked inside their various rooms to drop their bags and hijab before coming out for dinner. Baba returned shortly with black leather in his hand. They all sat down before Baba opened what he brought

"Baba why did you buy another meat?" Tehzeeb asked

"My dear, we need to change our diet some times. We can't continue to eat the same thing all the time. Life is too short, let's enjoy while we're healthy and alive" Baba said adjusting the leather very well. They ate in utter silence the only sound that could be heard was that of there Cutleries. After they finished eating dinner Tehzeeb packed the plates. "Goodnight Baba and Umma"

"Goodnight daughter"

"Sleep well" her parents said to her and she left

In the morning Tehzeeb was busy with her morning chores since it was Sunday and she needed to go to her work place. She hurriedly did her chores on time before she bathed and dresses up. She sat down waiting for her parents to come out for breakfast since they always ate together. "Umma I'm waiting for you both" she shouted

"We're coming dear" Umma replied and they came out of the room

"Sorry we keep you waiting. Hurry up let's eat so you won't be late for work" Baba said to her serving her breakfast. They ate quietly, when they finished, Tehzeeb stood up.

"Baba aren't you going now?" Tehzeeb asked her father since they usually walked out together

"No dear. Go on I want to branch Mallam Ilaro's place so I could give him his money"

"Okay Baba. May Allah continue to bless your work"

"Ameen daughter. Quickly leave so you won't be late"

"Alright bye" Tehzeeb waved to her parents and left the house.

Baba was still seating where they had their breakfast waiting for Umma to come out since she told him she's going with him to Mallam Ilaro's house for lending them the money. Umma walked out from the room. "Let's start going I'm ready"

"When you have spent all the time in the room"

"Haba Mallam, don't you want me to look good or are you jealous?" Umma teased

"Yes I'm jealous, because I don't like others seeing you look good"

"Don't worry I'm all yours" Umma responded and Baba was about to talk when a voice interrupted them

"Toh Sanu ku nazo( Weldone to you, I'm here) the person said distracting Baba and Umma on their little talk

"Welcome Mallam Ilaro" Baba greeted him putting a little distance between him and Umma " we were just about to come to your house now"

"Not until you come, and even if you come what will you come and do?" Mallam Ilaro fired

"Haba Ilaro, Why are you harsh with your words early this morning?"

"Oh my words are harsh don't worry. Let me get straight to the point because I'm not here to chat with you"

"Okay I'm listening"

"It's about my money"

"The money is.." Mallam Ilaro didn't allow Baba to complete his sentence

"Let me finish" Mallam Ilaro said raising his hand to stop Baba from speaking. Baba being the cool and calm man he is kept quiet "I have come to collect my money but not in cash anymore. I want something else because I don't think you have the money to pay me back the remaining balance, so I have come to make things easier for you without any trouble" Mallam Ilaro finally stated.

"And what is that if I may asked" Baba asked calmly

"Tehzeeb. I want to marry your daughter" Mallam Ilaro said without any hesitation or fear. Baba and Umma didn't say anything. They just stood there looking at him.

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This what we call the calm before the storm. How will Baba and Umma react?

Will the parents allow Tehzeeb to find out about their discussion with Mallam Ilaro or what?